Southern California -- this just in

Neighborhood evacuated as LAPD probes theft of DWP lumber

February 1, 2013 | 6:14
pm

Los Angeles Police cordoned off a North Hollywood
neighborhood near the home of a Department of Water and Power employee Friday
after a box marked as containing explosives was found in the garage of the
residence.

The LAPD bomb squad was called to the home in the 6600
block of Irvine Avenue about 4 p.m. after Hollywood area detectives came for an interview connected to a theft investigation, LAPD officials said.

Officers were also examining a large cache of ammunition
and weapons to determine if they were legally owned.

DWP spokesman Joe Ramallo
said the agency's security services received a tip about two weeks ago
regarding possible theft of building materials by a department
employee.

"Security services conducted a preliminary
investigation and determined that this matter warranted referral to the Los
Angeles Police Department," Ramallo said. "Today, based on the
information provided by LADWP, the LAPD arrested a four-year employee of the department who works as a carpenter."

Smith confirmed that police were examining possible
explosive materials but would not elaborate.

"The follow-up led them to the North Hollywood
home where they detained one individual
and located what's believed to be stolen wood belonging to the city."

The wood, a special type of cedar, is very expensive
because of its moisture-resistant qualities. It is used for lining in wet
environments such as reservoirs or in high-end home improvement projects such as
decks.

Detectives found wood stacked behind the home and also
believed that it might have been used to construct a deck at the home. Investigators
believe the wood was worth about $100,000.

It was not immediately clear how long it would take
before neighbors were allowed back in their homes, police officials said.